Ecology And Consevation

Question 1

What does the Simpson Index determine?

Answer 1

The Simpson diversity index determines the species richness of an ecosystem – a higher index indicates a greater level of diversity

Question 2

ECONOMICAL reasons for the conservation of biodiversity using rainforests as an example

Answer 2

• Sources of pharmaceuticals may become lost if plant species become extinct
• Certain crops may be improved with alleles from wild plants found in rainforests
• Loss of biodiversity will affect ecotourism, diminishing a potential source of local income

Question 3

ECOLOGICAL reasons for the conservation of biodiversity using rainforests as an example

Answer 3

• Interdependent species may be lost, while other organisms may also expand to fill unoccupied niches (negative effects on food chains)
• Loss of plant species may lead to environmental effects such as erosion, flooding, silting of rivers and global warming (trees act as carbon sinks)

Question 4

AESTHETIC reasons for the conservation of biodiversity using rainforests as an example

Answer 4

Loss of beauty of the system, depriving future generations of the aesthetic benefits of the rainforest

Question 5

ETHICALreasons for the conservation of biodiversity using rainforests as an example

Answer 5

The ability of indigenous populations to live sustainably within ecosystems might be affected.

Question 6

What are Alien species?

Answer 6

Alien species are those that have been transferred from their natural habitat to a new environment where conditions are still suitable for their survival

Question 7

Alien Species impact on their new ecosystem?

Answer 7

Biological Control
Deliberate Release
Accidental Release